The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 08, 2003
Filed:
Feb. 12, 1999
Takayoshi Atsumi, Komaki, JP;
Koji Shiono, Komaki, JP;
NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., , JP;
Abstract
A gas sensor element includes a solid electrolyte layer having a plurality of projections formed on its outer surface, an inner electrode formed on the inner surface of the solid electrolyte layer, an outer electrode formed on the outer surface of the solid electrolyte layer, an outer electrode formed on the outer surface of the solid electrolyte layer and a spinel protection layer formed on the outer electrode for protection. The projections are formed on the outer surface of the solid electrolyte layer such that they are formed in a single layer; an area occupied by the projections accounts for 10% to 85% of the outer surface of the solid electrolyte layer and the distance between the neighboring projections is 5 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;m. Thus, the outer electrode is formed on the solid electrolyte layer in such a manner as to penetrate into pits formed between neighboring projections and is thus strongly bonded to the solid electrolyte layer, thereby improving thermal durability. Also, since pores are hardly formed or are not formed at all between projections, a strong bond is established among the solid electrolyte layer, the outer electrode, and the protection layer, thereby improving durability against high temperature and high humidity.